Development of Intercity Mode Choice Models for Saudi Arabia

Several mode choice models are developed all over the world to predict the trip-maker choice of using a specific mode among a set of transportation modes. This modeling is quite important from planning point of view since the transportation systems usually receive huge investment. In Saudi Arabia, there are some characteristics of intercity tripmakers that differ from those of tripmakers in other countries. These characteristics include cultural, socioeconomic, safety, and religious parameters. In this study, the main purpose was to develop intercity mode choice models for Saudi Arabia. The required data was collected from all major cities throughout Saudi Arabia. Comprehensive questionnaires (Arabic and English) were designed and distributed at airport terminals, bus terminals, train stations, and at gasoline stations located midway between the cities under study. Behavioral mode-choice models were successfully built and validated with an independent sample for work, Aumra and social trips. These models indicated that in-vehicle travel time, out-of-pocket cost, number of family members traveling together, monthly household income, travel distance, nationality of the traveler, and number of cars owned by the family played a role in decisions related to intercity mode-choices. These models will be helpful in travel demand analysis for Saudi Airlines and Ministry of Transportation. This conclusion will help government and public transportation agencies and private carriers to make marginal decisions, and to prevent under or over-design of their facilities.